Technical Ability

Steven Gerrard is amongst the most technically proficient players in the Liverpool first team squad.

On the pitch, this technical ability shines through in his touch, passing ability and shooting.

When Gerrard is on the field, it is not because he is the captain, but due to his technical skills that he takes most corners, free-kicks and penalties.

Gerrard's deftness and ability to manipulate the ball from a set-piece are sorely missed when he is not playing. Charlie Adam has deputised in this aspect, and done so well, but it will be Gerrard who will run things from set-pieces and free kicks when he is on the pitch.

Gerrard's first touch is also worth noting and is rarely given a mention but should be. So many of the captains goals from outside the area are shots that are preceded by a superb one touch to move the ball into the position for him to shoot.

And this ultimately contributes to Gerrard's fantastic ability to score from range.

Gerrard has great technical ability and is one of the reasons why he is so important to Liverpool.

Experience

Steven Gerrard made his Liverpool debut on 29 November 1998, when he came on as a late substitute in a game against Blackburn Rovers.

Since then, Gerrard has gone on to make 559 appearances for the Reds and scored 140 goals, in all competitions.

Apart from Jamie Carragher, he is the player with the most Premier League experience in the Liverpool first team squad.

This 14 years of playing for the Reds has given Gerrard a tremendous depth of experience.

The captain has pretty much seen it all before and knows what to do and when to do it; from staring defeat in the final seconds of a cup final, to going in at half time in another with the game all but lost, to cruising to the final whistle from a winning position.

This vast wealth of experience is key to the younger players in the team, from those that have been at the club for many seasons, to those that are just starting their careers as Reds.

The young players who have broken into the first team squad from the Academy see Gerrard as an example of what can they can also go on to accomplish.

Gerrard's vast experience as a Liverpool player and in the Premier League shines through in each game he plays and is of vital importance to the Reds

Leadership

In October 2003, the then manager Gerard Houllier recognized the leadership qualities of Steven Gerrard and handed him the captain's armband.

In the eight seasons since that moment, there has never been a doubt as to how much the Reds have looked to the inspiration and leadership of their captain.

Gerrard leads by example and expects, no demands, his players to follow.

His "never say die" attitude and demands for more from his players is infectious. After scoring the first goal of the come back that night in Istanbul, his display of desire and drive were there for all his teammates to see; Gerrard was not leaving without a fight. He ultimately left with the trophy.

Gerrard is a true leader and inspires his players to greater heights.

He is a guide to the younger players who have broken through into the first team from the academy and an example of what they can achieve.

Being captain and being the team leader and displaying leadership are different, Gerrard has them all.

Gerrard is the leader and captain of Liverpool Football Club and his importance to the club is immense and the difference he makes, vital.